After an official visit to Wisconsin this past weekend and a verbal commitment soon after, Donnell Vercher described himself as "blessed" with Signing Day just hours away.

"I feel blessed," Vercher told BadgerBlitz.com when asked how it felt to have his recruitment come to an end. "It's a great feeling."

A 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior college safety from Fresno (CA) Fresno City C.C., Vercher is one of 20 scholarship athletes expected to sign with the Badgers on Wednesday. Academics and the team atmosphere during his official visit were big factors in his decision.

"The team was the biggest thing for me," said Vercher, who chose UW over Syracuse and Fresno State, among others. "They were in it for more than just football, they wanted a great education and they were about taking care of business.

"I would love to be surrounded by a group of guys like that."

Vercher, who had 23 tackles and eight interceptions in 2012, will have two years of eligibility remaining at Wisconsin and plans to arrive in Madison this summer.

Vercher, who was recruited by defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, was hosted by a fellow safety whom he may have a chance of starting with in 2013.